MMDA zipper lane experiment causes more harm than good

EDSA rush hour counterflow causes massive rush hour congestion

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opened a special 'zipper lane' experimental traffic scheme along a portion of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). The special lane allows for a counterflow through the selected portion of the thoroughfare during rush hour to help alleviate traffic.

The 'zipper lane' opens a portion of the inner northbound lane from EDSA-SM Megamall to EDSA-Pioneer for southbound traffic to accommodate the volume during rush hour. The scheme hopes to ease traffic congestion from the portion of EDSA-Ortigas all the way to Makati. The 'zipper lane' is opened for a two day experiment on December 20 and December 23, from 8 to 10 in the morning.

The first implementation of the 'zipper lane' was personally supervised by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino. The special counterflow lane’s duration was also adjusted from 7:30 to 10:30 in the morning yesterday.

Numerous motorists complained on social media about the worsened traffic situation along EDSA due to the 'zipper lane' scheme. Northbound traffic experience voluminous congestion due to the restriction of traffic flow on the said portion.

Interestingly, the MMDA Facebook Page also posted a seemingly 'photoshopped' image of the Toletino who seems to already be hit by a car's side mirror with his feet run over by its tires as well. The 'photo' has since been removed from the page.

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